Jan Brewer: Most Illegals Running Drugs

And most Arizona governors are racist, say critics

(Newser)
–
While "a lot" of illegals hopping over Mexico's border into Arizona are looking for work, most are running drugs for cartels, says Gov. Jan Brewer in comments yesterday that elicited a chorus of critics who slammed her for everything from political posturing to racism. "I believe today, that the majority of the illegal trespassers are under the control of organized drug cartels and they are bringing drugs in," Brewer said.

Brewer's office later backpedaled, saying most human smuggling is run by drug rings, which "are by definition smuggling drugs." Malarkey, one Mexican senator tells the AP: "Traditionally, migrants have been needy, humble people who in good faith go looking for a way to better the lives of their families." Border Patrol acknowledged some illegals are carrying drugs, but that most "drug smuggling is done by people who intend to do that. That's their livelihood." AG Terry Goddard, Brewer's presumptive Democratic opponent, said Brewer "does not understand the difference between illegal immigration and the organized criminals who are members of the violent drug cartels who pose a very a real danger."

That governor is racist and she has to look for a way to harm the image of migrants before American society and mainly before the people of Arizona.
- Francisco Loureiro, runs a migrant shelter in Nogales

If (Gov. Brewer) is just mouthing off for political reasons, as I believe she is doing, then she must apologize to the people of Arizona for lying to them so blatantly.
- Oscar Martinez, University of Arizona history professor

Just another "Pitler" Wannebe -- slandering a whole group of people for effect. Next stop Larry King right? I am under the impression "Hate Crimes" are a federal felony. While I'm not a big one to call out the lawyers -- shouldn't the ACLU file a petition against this woman?? First Amendment rights are one thing -- this is just beyond all intelligence.

BlueAyez

Jun 26, 2010 7:23 PM CDT

She knows this how? and why is she so upset? Cutting into her business perhaps?

Community

Site Maps

Get Newser

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.